~ A Change Of  Heart ~

During the early days I was on stage for a few weeks then out of work again, uncertainty caused quite a strain. My father said I should forget this theatre 'nonsense' and earn a regular wage in the mill, Mumma did not agree it was much against her will. She worked, pushed, hoped and prayed, I reached the top and there I stayed, Papa was amazed such efforts had led to fame, but truly delighted all the same. When my sisters and brother followed me he did not object, my mother's perseverance earned his respect.

~ A Step To Stardom ~

I will never forget Rochdale the town that paved the way, our little house had a parlour and a cellar in which to play. Our very own theatre where impromptu concerts were staged for a touch of comedy sister Betty I engaged. To invite the neighbours children was my mother's pride, the entrance fee was pins and buttons the seating was a ladder tipped on its side. I taught them the latest dance steps and all the songs I knew a delighted young audience joined in too. Many wonders I have seen as around the world I roam made possible through my endeavours in that little house called home.

~ Honours and Awards ~

Gracie was honoured from the start with mementos in Rochdale Museum and the Gallery of Art. Many things were named after her, an aeroplane, theatre, cocktail, rose and once even an elephant and a horse, not forgetting her ship of course. In 1938 she was the first woman variety artiste to receive the C.B.E. feeling as proud as can be. Shortly afterwards she was given the Order of St. John of Jerusalem for her work for hospitals and the Red Cross another moment of bliss, when presented with an eight star cross she frequently wore this. In May the home town of her birth gave her the highest honour it could bestow, the Freedom of Rochdale as we all know. In 1979 she became a Dame of the British Empire. Attending a Variety Artistes Luncheon in Manchester she was given a golden disc and a silver heart, for her contribution to the record industry and her work for handicapped children in which she played a prominent part. Her husband Boris set up a trophy room in Anacapri, all the certificates and awards preserved for prosperity. 

~ No Respect ~

Gracie was visiting a poor area in Birmingham everything was fine, until she brushed against some washing on a line. 'ere where are you going shouted an irate woman you've dirtied my Albert's shirt and I've used up all me soap' A neighbour said "Shurrup that's Gracie Fields stop acting like a dope". "I don't care if it's Joan of Arc she can't come 'ere dirtying my man's clothes, I slaved all morning washing those." She was still as cross as can be when Gracie offered her apology.

~ Gracie's Tonic ~

If anyone was down in the dumps and felt like shedding a tear, the exuberance of Gracie Fields would bring good cheer. The purity of her voice made the audience tingle, and through her infectious humour laughter was sure to mingle. Hearts glowed low spirits soared thanks to this superstar the world adored. After the show was over the magic lingered for weeks on end, there is no doubt our Gracie was a Godsend.